Woman stung by Irukandji jellyfish in Whitsundays

UPDATE: IT is believed that 55-year-old woman who was swimming at Bauer Bay at South Molle Island in the Whitsundays was stung by an Irukandji jellyfish.

The woman remains in a stable condition and is being treated at the Proserpine Hospital.

Visitors to the area are warned that it is currently stinger season and to take precautions when swimming in the region's waters.

If you are stung by an Irukandji jellyfish, the sting is not immediate and may appear 5 to 45 minutes after the initial sting.

A number of species of Irukandji jellyfish are currently known. The Irukandji jellyfish is a small jellyfish approximately two centimetres in diameter, making it difficult for swimmers to notice in the water.

Irukandji jellyfish are most likely found in tropical Australian waters from November to May.

Signs and symptoms can include:

severe backache or headache

shooting pains in their muscles, chest and abdomen

nausea

anxiety

restlessness

vomiting

breathing difficulties

Management of Irukandji jellyfish stings

Carefully remove the casualty from the water.

Avoid rubbing the sting area.

Immediately douse the sting area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds.

If vinegar is not available, carefully remove tentacles off skin and rinse well with seawater.